I see a lot of guys recommend a barber hone and if you have a shave ready razor that needs a touching up that will do it. The reason I always recommend the Norton 4/8 combo is because the 8k will also do it and if you need more sharpening it will do that as well. BTW, the 8k side of a norton combo does not need soaking so if that is the side you're using, say in a touch up, you needn't worry about a 15 minute soak before you can use it. Of course the 4k side does need the soaking.

I figure that while a fellow can maintain his razor with a barber hone the 4/8 combo is so much more versatile that it is far more advantageous to invest in one of those. If in the future vintage razors are acquired off of the bay or out of an antique shop, flea market, wherever , the norton will be enough to get the razors up to speed. Of course a bevel setter and a finisher would be a real plus in getting the job done but the 4/8 is all you really need at minimum.